A-Rod sent back to NY for MRI, Jeter scratched from lineup
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez and shortstop Derek Jeter were both absent from the lineup Monday against the Baltimore Orioles.
Rodriguez, who jammed his left thumb when trying to backhand a ball in an August 21 game against Minnesota, was sent back to New York from Baltimore on Monday for an MRI. He has played in three games since injuring the thumb, but has gone 1-for-8 over his last two contests.
Jeter was in the lineup for a 2-0 setback in the first half of a day-night doubleheader against the Orioles on Sunday, giving him the franchise's all- time games played record at 2,402.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Jeter had x-rays on Sunday that came back negative on his right kneecap. He hurt the knee fouling off a pitch and was replaced Monday night at shortstop by Eduardo Nunez. Eric Chavez started at third.
The health of the two star infielders are vital to New York's success, considering the Yankees start a three-game series on Tuesday against AL East- leading Boston at Fenway Park.
Rodriguez is batting .289 with 14 homers and 53 RBI in 84 games, while Jeter has a .296 average with four long balls and 48 driven in over 107 contests.